Picture Of The Day: Happy Halloween, Carroll Gardens

For weeks now,
This poor little fellow
Has been strung up on Carroll Street,
Exposed to the elements,
while
Anticipating his big day.
Finally, it is here.

Happy Halloween,
Carroll Gardens!

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If You Are Worried About The Economy, You Need A Lakshmi

A beautiful and unusual flier on a lamp post at the corner of Smith and President Streets caught my eye yesterday. Imagine my surprise when I learned that there is a remedy for that feeling of unease we have all been experiencing about our financial future. All we need is a Lakshmi to protect our homes. From the flier:

Worried about the economy?
You need a Lakshmi in your home.
(Goddess of wealth, luck, prosperity)

Oh, it's as easy as that? Well, why didn't someone tell us sooner. We may have prevented this whole mess entirely if we had gotten one of those Lakshmis months ago. Curious about this goddess of good fortune, I went on the web site indicated on the flier and found this useful description:

During the late nineteenth century, India established a printing industry devoted to producing images of Hindu Gods & Goddesses. Go to India today and you’ll see them everywhere ( not the oldest, but prints from about the 1960’s on), in stores and restaurants, on taxi dashboards, tied to bicycle handlebars, even nailed to trees as parts of shrines. For Hindus these prints embody Gods, something of the essence or spirit of a God which is manifest in the world. During puja (daily worship) the God is invited to descend into its image and is treated as a guest. Offerings of fruit, flowers, or sweets are placed before these prints, prayers are chanted to them, incense are burned for them, and garlands of marigolds are hung around their frames.
India’s earliest color prints are lithographs printed from limestone blocks. Images were drawn by hand on as many stones as there were colors to be printed. These stones, each inked in one color, were then printed in succession. By the 1940’s this technique was replaced by the faster and cheaper photo-offset process used today. Most of our prints were made between the late 1890’s and early 1920’s, the first years of color printing in India. We also have some which we consider the best of the 1930’s & early 1940’s.

Now, I am willing to try anything to turn the economy (and our personal finances) around, but frankly, I don't know if I can afford a Lakshmi, though they are stunning.

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Handmade Holiday Craft Fair Looking For Vendors

Are you one of those people who is really talented and can make wonderful objects with your hands? If so, you may want to sell your creations at 3rd Ward & Brooklyn Based's 2nd Annual Handmade Holiday Craft Fair.

2008 Handmade Holiday Craft Fair

Presented by 3rd Ward & Brooklyn Based

Show your TLC with DIY

Sunday, December 7th, Noon to 7 pm

Share your wares with hundreds of creative gifts givers at our classic marketplace style shopping event.

Place your products among those of NYC's finest artisans and craft mavens during a day of live performances, winter treats by Tom Mylan (of Marlow and Sons, Diner and Bonita), delicious drinks and free workshops.

Submissions are being accepted at:
http://www.3rdward.com/handmadeholiday.

Submission Deadline November 17th.

Sign up now! The number of vendors is limited.

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Picture Of The Day: Shadows On First Street

The late October sunlight,
Casts beautiful shadows
On the brick townhouses
Of First Street
Between Hoyt And Bond Streets.

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A Moment In Time: Take A Picture Of Me!

He drove up to the light
On Smith Street
Just as I was trying to take a photo.
He smiled and waved.
"Hey, take a picture of me"
he said.
So I did!

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A Look Back In History: Before Smith Street Was Restaurant Row

# 264 To # 270 Smith Street back in 1928

The same stretch of Smith Street in 2008

Long, long before Smith Street was known as 'Restaurant Row', the street seems to have been a great place to shop. The little stretch pictured above in 1928 was home to a hat store, a produce store, a grain merchant and a hardware store. These days, two of the storefronts have been turned into residences. The others currently house the lovely wine store 'Smith & Vine' and the other is now Café Doré, a restaurant.
The vintage photo was sent to me by wonderful Carroll Gardens resident Alexandrea, who is kind enough to share it here with all of us. Thanks!

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It's Howl-O-Ween At DiMattina Park

Any event that combines dogs and costumes is worth checking out, I say. Though I don't have a dog, I will be sure to check out the Howl-o-ween costume contest. More info below:

Miro's Run Annual Howl-o-ween Fundraiser
Sunday, November 2nd from 12:00 noon to 3:00 p.m.

Join us at the dog run for cider and donuts, a dog costume contest, dog games, photo booth and raffle. Costumes are optional but if you dress up your doggie you may win a prize for Best Costume, Best Handmade Costume, Cutest Costume or Scariest Costume. $10 suggested donation, all proceeds go towards improving and promoting the dog run. Sponsored by Monster Mutt, Mobile Mutts, Walk This Way and Hope Vet.

Miro's Run is located in DiMattina Park, on Hicks Street between Rapelye Street and Hamilton Avenue (next to the baseball field). It was the first official dog park in Brooklyn, established in 1997.
Check out the group's blog here.

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Another Winter Season Of Fun At Prospect Park's Wollman Rink Starts November 19

Photo credit: Sherlock 77 on Flickr

Get The Hot Chocolate Ready.
Prospect Park's Wollman Rink will reopen on November 19th, 2008Weather permitting of course. The prices are incredibly reasonable and you just can't beat spending a few hours of fun outdoors. Below is the information from the Parks Department:

It’s time again to enjoy the fresh air experience of skating outdoors in Brooklyn’s Prospect Park. The Park’s Wollman Rink opens for the season on Wednesday, November 19 at 8:30 a.m.

Opening date is weather permitting .

The public can call (718) 287-6431 to confirm

Admission is:

• Adults: $5

• Children (14 and under) and Seniors: $3

Skate Rental: $6.50

Keep checking www.prospectpark.org for updates on special free admission days, theme music events and other great promotions

The rink is open the following hours:

Mondays 8:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Tuesdays 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Wednesdays 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Thursdays 8:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Fridays 8:30 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Saturdays 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.; 2 – 6 p.m.; 7 – 10 p.m.

Sundays 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.; 2 – 6 p.m.

Thanksgiving Holiday Hours

Thursday, Nov. 27: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.; 2 – 6 p.m.

Friday, Nov. 28: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.; 2 – 6 p.m.; 7 – 10 p.m.

See www.prospectpark.org for other holiday hours.

Wollman Rink is a great place for winter fun all season long. Take lessons, throw a skating party, take a leisurely spin around the ice, and enjoy a snack and a hot chocolate.

For info on skating conditions, call (718) 287-6431 • Skate School (718) 282-1226 • Skating Parties (718) 287-6215 • Group Reservations (718) 287-5252

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Picture Of The Day: Dawn Of The Dead In Carroll Gardens

On 2nd Place
Between Court And Smith
This frightful creature,
Neither dead nor alive,
Greets commuters
As they come pouring out of the F train.

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B.S.A. To Vote On Oliver House In One Month

The 360 Smith Street/ 131 2nd Place Site

Mr. Stein's Legal Council in front of the B.S.A.


B.S.A. Members Susan Hinkson and Meenakhi Srinivasan

Developer Stein after the hearing

In torrential rain, a group of incredibly dedicated Carroll Gardeners representing C.O.R.D., the Carroll Gardens Neighborhood Association as well as the South Brooklyn Neighborhood Association, made their way to the Board Of Standards and Appeals in downtown Manhattan yesterday.
On B.S.A.'s agenda was the second hearing on Bill Stein's Oliver House at 360 Smith Street/131 2nd Place.
Mr. Stein's construction site was served with a Stop Work Order immediately following the passing of the Zoning Text Amendment by the City Council back in July. In order to be allowed to continue with construction, Stein has to convince the B.S.A. that his foundation was sufficiently completed before the Stop Work Order went into effect. In addition, he is pleading financial hardship because of the money already spent on the project. Though 91 pile caps had been driven into the ground at the time of the Stop Work Order, there were no visible signs of a poured foundation (photo above)

However, at a first hearing in September, Mr. Stein's engineer argued that the foundation was essentially completed because the 60 year old subway tunnel that runs under the construction site along Smith Street will serve as a super foundation for Stein's Oliver House. All that is needed, according to Stein's expert, is a "transfer slab" over the subway structure.

At yesterday's second hearing, the community had asked Evan Akselrad, an engineer and architect as well as a professor at Pratt, who testified on their behalf that Oliver House's foundation was far from being 80% completed and that the concrete reinforcement of the subway tunnel is NOT a foundation.
Mr. Akselrad's statement seems to be substantiated by the Brooklyn Building's Department which inspected the site shortly after the Stop Work Order and stated that only 20% of the foundation had been completed.

Additional testimony was given by John Hatheway, architect, who told the B.S.A. Board that he does not accept Mr. Stein and his advisers' "dubious argument" that the foundation is substantially complete. He further asked the B.S.A.:

Are you stating that if a site has a subway structure or other man-made obstacle beneath the entire lot area, that the owner of that lot is automatically vested by claiming that the man-made obstacle constitutes a foundation if it were intended to bear some additional load besides the soil above it? Automatically vested before ever laying a shovel to the ground? That seems to go against the very intention and nature of vesting based on some measurable effort. And is it equitable to give certain property owners such a substantial benefit over the majority of other property owners?

It remains to be seen if the B.S.A. will accept the claims of a developer over the finding of the Department of Buildings. The Board seems to defer frequently to D.o.B. Since the agency stands by its claim that only 20% of the foundation is completed, it would only stand to reason that the BSA should deny Mr. Stein's exemption . But then again, the Board has voted against reason before...

There also appeared to be some type of discrepancy and a question as to whether or not it could possibly affect the validity of the building permit.
In the end, the B.S.A. vote was scheduled for November 25th.

Related reading:

According To Developer Stein, His Foundation Is Completed!

Revisiting Mr. Stein's 360 Smith Street / 131 Second Place Oliver House Site




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Picture Of The Day: Family Portrait

Drawn in blue chalk
On some pavers in Carroll Park,
An ephemeral family portrait.
Mom and Dad
With big Sis S
Baby L
And B, the cat.

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If Toll Brothers are "Scared" Of NY Condo Market, Why Develop Along Gowanus?

( photo and map credit: Toll Brothers)

"If we sense any slowdown, we'll take the money and run,
instead of hanging around and waiting"

Robert Toll,
Chief Executive, Toll Brothers

(We, in Carroll Gardens, can only hope, Mr. Toll)

NEW YORK, Sept 4 (Reuters) - Toll Brothers Inc said on Thursday the condo market in New York City is not as strong as it was, and the company is "scared" about the market's future amid deterioration in the financial industry.

"It has felt some of the storm that's come to the residential real estate market in the country," Chief Executive Bob Toll said during the company's third-quarter conference call.

To continue reading article, click below:

Toll Brothers "scared" about NYC condo market (Reuters)

Pardon me for asking, but if Bob Toll, one of the Toll Brothers, is so pessimistic about the New York Condo market, why is his New York V.P. David Von Spreckelsen, still pushing so hard to get the development at 363-365 Bond Street off the ground?
Notice that the interview took place at the beginning of September, shortly before the looming bank fiasco and Wall Street's steep decline .

At last week's Community Board 6 Landmark/ Land Use Committee meeting , at which members voted overwhelmingly to approve the spot rezoning needed by Toll, Von Spreckelsen stated that he had been working on the project for four years. Maybe so, but during that period, things have changed drastically here in the city. Given the new financial reality, why on earth would the development company of luxury McMansions take a chance in adding over 400 condo units along one of the most polluted waterways?
Local residents have been very outspoken against the project, citing health hazards as well as flooding issues in the Gowanus area. All of that has fallen on deaf ears with members of our Community Board as well as with our Councilman.
Hopefully, the financial crisis will accomplish what our representatives have so far failed to do: stop a project that would place its residents in harm's way.

Related reading:

CB6 Land Use Committee Votes Yes To Toll Brothers Project: That's What $365 K Worth Of Lobbying Buys

Toll Brothers Spent $365,000 On Lobbying For Gowanus Rezoning

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British Chef Jamie Oliver Wants To Feed You At His New York Table!

How cool is that? British chef (and blogger) Jamie Oliver wants to invite you to dinner here in New York. The email below landed in my mailbox this morning. Interested in dining with the Naked Chef? Read the info and write an email.

TV OPPORTUNITY: COME EAT FOR FREE WITH JAMIE OLIVER

Jamie Oliver cordially invites New York residents to an intimate private dinner in his NYC apartment.

British chef Jamie Oliver's newest television project, 'Jamie in America', will see him travel around the USA on a journey of food discovery.

In New York City he will open an underground restaurant and invite 15 lucky New Yorkers to dine with him.

So whether you're a fanatical foodie or have never opened your oven we want you to apply for a place at Jamie's table.

For an application form please contact dinnerwithjamie@freshone.tv

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Picture Of The Day: The Great Carroll Gardens Pumpkin Patch

On President Street


Why just have one pumpkin in the front yard,
dear reader,
When you can have many
And add some bats too.


It's almost Halloween time!

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Aerial View Of Smith Street Circa 1938

Smith Street looking towards President Street in the direction of Atlantic Avenue.




Same spot today. I am sorry I can't fly to take a photo from the air!

Don't you love the bird's eye view of Smith Street at President Street looking towards Atlantic Avenue circa 1938? On the left side is Carroll Park. Notice the old curved fence. Do you see the church beyond that? It is of course no longer there. The lot is next to the one that now houses Rite Aid.
One can clearly see the trolley tracks running along Smith Street. And it seems that long ago, the traffic went both ways. There were more trees too.
The lovely historic photo was sent to me by a new friend. Her name is Alexandrea and she is as passionate about Carroll Gardens history as I am. She has a lot more great photos to share, so I will be posting them right here. Thanks for sharing, Alexandrea!

I have come across other old photos of Carroll Park and of long lost brownstones on Smith Street before . Make sure you check them out by clicking the links

below.

The Very Fashionable Corner Of Smith And President Streets Early 1900's

Where Have All The Pretty Brownstones Gone On Smith?

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REMINDER: Special Screening Of " Twilight Becomes Night"

TWILIGHT BECOMES NIGHT

A documentary film

By Virginie-Alvine Perrette

Produced by 2 Spot Digital

NEIGHBORHOOD STORES SAVE US. THE TIME HAS COME TO SAVE THEM.

“It is possible to watch the sky from morning to midnight … without ever being able to put your finger on the precise point where a qualitative change takes place; no one can say, “It is exactly here that twilight becomes night …”

The End of the Road, John Barth

Each time a neighborhood shop closes its doors for good, something vital is lost forever. Twilight Becomes Night examines the pivotal role of neighborhood stores in our individual lives, our communities, and in our society as a whole. Using the streets and shops of New York City as a backdrop, the film moves beyond nostalgic regret to reveal a high-stakes transformation and its potential to affect us all.

Twilight Becomes Night is an intimate and emotional portrait of the struggle of small businesses today. It also explores the issues that are threatening neighborhood stores - the large chains, high rents, and public policy, among others. And yet, in the end, it reminds us of the power of individual commitment and community activism in preserving local business. You can save your neighborhood store. Twilight Becomes Night warns: Don’t wait until it’s too late.

The screening will be at:

The Kane Street Synagogue,

236 Kane Street on Thurs.,

Nov. 6,

from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm.

The film will be followed by a questions and answers addressed to a panel including: David Yassky, City Council; Craig Hammerman, District Leader CB6; and Chelsea Maudin, Montague Street BID. Suggested donation $10.

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Picture Of The Day: Fall Hydrangea

The days have gotten shorter
And the nights much cooler,
Yet beauty can still be found
In Neighborhood yards.
Take this hydrangea.
Its spring flowers have dried
And taken on a beautiful fall hue.

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CB6 Land Use Committee Votes Yes To Toll Brothers Project: That's What $365 K Worth Of Lobbying Buys

The Toll Suits

Toll VP David Von Spreckelsen

Von Spreckelsen with Land Use Chair Bob Levine

Computerized elevations of Toll Brother's behemoth Project

Oh, dear reader, the CB6 Landmark/Land Use Committee meeting was long and drawn out.
But I was determined to stay till the bitter end in order to report back to you.
The committee voted last night on the Toll Brothers' behemoth condo project along the shores of the very polluted Gowanus Canal.
Let me just say that no amount of testimony from concerned residents at last month's meeting, no concerns about pathogens in the waters of the canal, nor warnings that the land is in a flood zone were able to sway a majority of our board members from voting yes for Toll's spot rezoning.

Most may have felt like member Jeff Strabone, who stated that he had misgivings about voting for the project because of the risk factors involved, but that in the end, he wanted to see the canal cleaned. That, he felt, would happen quicker if condo buyers would move to its shores.
"These people will be guinea pigs next to the toxic canal, but it will get cleaned up quicker if a couple of fat cats live there."
Well, that's one way of looking at it, but what if those guinea pigs start growing tumors...
The only no vote came from Roy Sloane. (May I just say thanks, Roy! You are my new hero!)
So there it is, dear reader. The vote is a sad outcome for the community. However, it is hardly surprising. Toll Brothers has deep pockets and has spent upwards of $365,000 to lobby for the project.

But pardon me for asking, why was Bill De Blasio, our Councilman, lobbying the Land Use Committee members to convince them to vote for the project? At least four board members received calls from DeBlasio's office in the last two weeks.
I wonder how many more members received a call as well?
The councilman has always been gung-ho on the project, but having his office lobby the board members is not cool in my book.
I think there is a lot of lobbying going on and not enough time spent actually listening to constituents.

Related Reading:

Toll Brothers Spent $365,000 On Lobbying For Gowanus Rezoning

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Shame On You, City Council!

Change NYC. Org Press Release

ChangeNYC.Org Blasts Council Vote as a “Coup d’Etat”

The City Council’s vote to extend term limits legislatively is a devastating blow to our City’s democracy. Today’s vote marks a frightening shift in power from the people to the politicians.

Not only have New Yorkers twice voted for term limits in the past fifteen years, but only yesterday a Quinnipiac poll showed that an overwhelming 87% of the people insisted that any changes to the term limits law had to be put before the voters.

But this afternoon, while real New Yorkers worked for a living, the City Council stealthily disenfranchised the five boroughs. In any other country, this type of shameless power grab would be called a coup d’état.

ChangeNYC.Org is here to console the people of New York not to lose hope. If we stand together, we still can take back our government before it is too late.

Go to www.changenyc.org right now and sign up to join the people’s movement for change in our City.

Related Reading:

ChangeNYC, A New Grassroots Organisation, Challenges New Yorkers To Demand Better Government

Brooklyn County Committee Members And Council Member James Want Voters To Decide On Term Limits


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Picture Of The Day: Setting Sun Over Brooklyn Brownstones

It had been a long day,
A particularly stressful day
And she felt low.
But as she glanced out at the backyard through her window,
She saw the setting sun over a row of brownstones,
And she remembered instantly
Why she chose to live right here in Carroll Gardens.
Not a bad ending to a crazy day.

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Court Street Then And Now

Court Street in the 1920's

Court Street in 2008

About eighty years separate these two photos of Court Street, looking from Montague Street up beyond Atlantic Avenue. Surprisingly, much is the same, though the trolley cars are so much nicer than today's buses, don't you think? And may I just say, dear reader, that I risked my life standing in the middle of traffic to bring you the '08 shot?

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Real Estate And Industrial Future Of Brooklyn.....In 1916

The Real Estate And Industrial Future Of Brooklyn


New York Times December 10, 1916

To Enlarge click here

The Real Estate And Industrial Future Of Brooklyn

New York Times December 1916

The future of Brooklyn real estate is bright because the industrial future of Brooklyn is bright. In the long run, real estate values are determined by basic conditions, and those who deal in real estate often forget the fact that the foundation of all community growth is industry....
The real dependence of cities upon industry is too often not recognized. An industry which gives employment to 100 men distributes each week the contents of a hundred pay envelopes, and this money supports the small shopkeepers, the restaurants, theatres,and even professional men like doctors and dentists.

So, replacing all of our industrial areas with high-rise developments isn't a good idea?
No kidding....What seemed to have been common sense back in 1916 has escaped our elected officials today.
Maybe the members of Community Board 6's Landmark/ Land Use Committee should take a minute to read the article above which appeared in the New York Times back in 1916.
Tonight, the members of the committee will vote on whether to spot re-zone the Toll Brothers' site from industrial to residential in advance of a larger rezoning for the shores of the Gowanus Canal.
I hope as many Carroll Gardeners as possible will attend the meeting.

The meeting will be held in the PS 32 Auditorium
317 Hoyt Street
Brooklyn, NY 11231
At 6 PM

Related reading:

CB6 Public Hearing On Toll Brothers Development

Toll Brothers Spent $365,000 On Lobbying For Gowanus Rezoning

Not So Fast, Toll Brothers!

For Home Page, click Pardon Me For Asking

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It's Show Time At Big Movies For Little People

Monday, November 3rd, 4pm

BARBAPAPA

Short films of the beloved European comic character, Barbapapa, will be seen for the first time on the BIG screen. You and your kids will love the originality and sense of humor of this “Shapeshifter.” These will be in their original French, but trust us, no translation is necessary. (1970, Color/Animated, total program: 75 mins)

Monday, November 17th, 4pm

STUART LITTLE

Based on the beloved, classic E.B. White novel, this ebulliently wholesome Oscar-nominated NYC-based live-action film is ideal entertainment for the whole family. The smooth-talking, spunky mouse, Stuart, will have you laughing in your seats. Starring Geena Davis, Hugh Laurie, voice talent by Michael J. Fox, Chazz Palmiteri, and Nathan Lane, and a delightfully whimsical screenplay co-written by M. Night Shyamalan, (1999, Color, Rated PG, time: approx. 85 mins).

BIG Movies for Little Kids:

Time: 4pm (every other Monday, following the public school calender)

Ages: 2 and up

Location: Cobble Hill Cinemas, 265 Court Street @ Butler

Subway: F train to Bergen St.

Cost: $6.50/pp (for all walking humans)

For more info: http://bigmoviesforlittlekids.blogspot.com

Don't risk a sold-out show or wait in line. Advance tickets are available on-line and are strongly encouraged to secure your seat: www.cobblehilltheatre.com

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Carroll Gardens Alert: Watch Out For IDT Representatives

Dear Readers,
I just got an interesting visit from a young man representing IDT Energy.
You have probably heard that IDT, an energy company has been sending out representatives door to door to sign people up to switch to their company by promising lower rates.
The representative asks to see your Con Edison bill, takes your information and account number. Even if you do not agree or sign anything, IDT switches you over to their service without your consent.
These representatives have been canvasing entire neighborhoods in Brooklyn.

Read more on this on
Brownstoner: Energy Scammers Plaguing Brooklyn?
And on
Gowanus Lounge: Breaking Scam Alert: IDT Energy Scammers on Carroll St. Right Now


So be careful.

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A Moment In Time: School's Out

On Smith Street,
At exactly 3 o'clock in the afternoon,
Happy children
Skip along the sidewalk

School must be out.

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Brooklyn Item Of The Day: The Obama Switch Plate

How about this for a switch?

One of the vendors in downtown Brooklyn along Court Street is selling some pretty unusual switch plates. Amongst various different models, there is this one of Barack Obama with his family. This way, you can support your presidential candidate every time you turn on the light.

And no, there was no McCain switch plate available.

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